transmitter

American  

[trans-mit-er, tranz-] / trænsˈmɪt ər, trænz- /

noun

1. a person or thing that transmits.

2. Also called transmitting set.  Radio. a device for sending electromagnetic waves; the part of a broadcasting apparatus that generates and modulates the radiofrequency current and conveys it to the antenna.

3. the part of a telephonic or telegraphic apparatus that converts sound waves or mechanical movements into corresponding electric waves or impulses.

4. Biochemistry. neurotransmitter.

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transmitter British  

/ trænzˈmɪtə /

noun

1. a person or thing that transmits

2. the equipment used for generating and amplifying a radio-frequency carrier, modulating the carrier with information, and feeding it to an aerial for transmission

3. the microphone in a telephone that converts sound waves into audio-frequency electrical signals

4. a device that converts mechanical movements into coded electrical signals transmitted along a telegraph circuit

5. physiol short for neurotransmitter

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transmitter Scientific  

/ trăns′mĭt-ər /

1. A device that converts sound, light, or electrical signals into radio, microwave, or other electrical signals of sufficient strength for the purpose of telecommunication.

2. Compare receiver

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Etymology

Origin of transmitter

First recorded in 1720–30; transmit + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The unit was on a training mission when it was redirected to assist in the search and rescue effort, after an emergency locator transmitter signal alerted the US Coast Guard about a potential distress situation.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

For decades, proportional response functioned less as a strategy than a ritual: hit a transmitter, strike a barracks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

All one needs is "another radio transmitter that can broadcast on the same frequency, but louder," she said, which creates "a wall of mush."

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

One critical factor that influences how well QKD works is pointing error, which occurs when the transmitter and receiver are not perfectly aligned.

From Science Daily • Feb. 17, 2026

Three times now they have gone out into the snow to track down Volkheimers transmitter, and each time they have found him more directly.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr